Communication kit: stay informed and in touch without the network
When mobile networks and internet go down, a battery radio is how you hear official instructions and PMR446 walkie-talkies keep your household in touch nearby. A satellite messenger adds texting from anywhere. Budget €80–€300.
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The checklist
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The one item every civil-protection agency lists.
Licence-free across the EU. Range 1–5 km (0.6–3 mi) in practice.
Fits radios and walkies.
SOS and texting without mobile coverage. Needs a subscription.
Numbers you can dial from any phone.
Three blasts means help.
Keeps your phone ready for when the network returns.
Tips
- Note your national broadcaster’s FM frequency on the radio.
- Agree a walkie channel with family and neighbours in advance.
- Send texts rather than calling: they get through congested networks more often.
Questions people ask
Do I need a licence for walkie-talkies?
Not for PMR446 radios, which are licence-free across the EU. Other frequencies may need a licence.
Can my smartphone send messages by satellite?
Some recent phones can send emergency messages by satellite in certain countries. Check your model and country before relying on it.